Contraception with RISUG® and functional reversal through DMSO and NaHCO3 in male rabbits / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

The study aimed to evaluate reversal of short- and long-term vas occlusion with reversible inhibition of sperm under guidance (RISUG) using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) in male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Animals were divided into seven groups containing five animals each. Fortnightly, semen analysis revealed that sperm concentration and output steadily declined after vas occlusion and complete azoospermia was attained at 30-60 days postinjection. Spermatozoa reappeared at 60-75 days of reversal and normozoospermia was noticed between 135 days and 150 days in the reversal groups. All spermatozoa were found nonmotile prior to azoospermia and a gradual recovery in sperm motility was observed between 105 days and 135 days of reversal. A significant decline in viability of sperms was noticed during vas occlusion up to 30-60 days which recovered at 60-75 days postreversal and normalized by 75-105 days in the reversal groups. A significant enhancement in the sperm abnormalities was recorded in all vas occluded animals as well as those in initial periods of reversal. Other parameters, namely, semen volume, ejaculation time, pH, color, and consistency, remained unaltered during all phases of the study. Fertility test, at the intervals of 15 days, demonstrated that animals exhibited complete sterility during the entire period of vas occlusion. A gradual recovery in fertility was observed with the appearance of spermatozoa following vas occlusion reversal and 100% fertility was observed following 135-150 days of reversal. F1 progeny of reversed animals was found normal. The results suggest that reversal with DMSO or NaHCO3 is feasible, with normal progeny, following short- and long-term contraception.

TNFalpha Increases the Expression of beta2 Adrenergic Receptors in Osteoblasts

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) is a multifunctional cytokine that is elevated in inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Recent evidence has suggested that beta2 adrenergic receptor (beta2AR) activation in osteoblasts suppresses osteogenic activity. In the present study, we explored whether TNFalpha modulates betaAR expression in osteoblastic cells and whether this regulation is associated with the inhibition of osteoblast differentiation by TNFalpha. In the experiments, we used C2C12 cells, MC3T3-E1 cells and primary cultured mouse bone marrow stromal cells. Among the three subtypes of betaAR, beta2 and beta3AR were found in our analysis to be upregulated by TNFalpha. Moreover, isoproterenol-induced cAMP production was observed to be significantly enhanced in TNFalpha-primed C2C12 cells, indicating that TNFalpha enhances beta2AR signaling in osteoblasts. TNFalpha was further found in C2C12 cells to suppress bone morphogenetic protein 2-induced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the expression of osteogenic marker genes including Runx2, ALP and osteocalcin. Propranolol, a beta2AR antagonist, attenuated this TNFalpha suppression of osteogenic differentiation. TNFalpha increased the expression of receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL), an essential osteoclastogenic factor, in C2C12 cells which was again blocked by propranolol. In summary, our data show that TNFalpha increases beta2AR expression in osteoblasts and that a blockade of beta2AR attenuates the suppression of osteogenic differentiation and stimulation of RANKL expression by TNFalpha. These findings imply that a crosstalk between TNFalpha and beta2AR signaling pathways might occur in osteoblasts to modulate their function.

Isolation, characterisation and antibacterial activity studies of coumarins from Rhododendron lepidotum Wall. ex G. Don, Ericaceae / Estudos de isolamento, caracterização e atividade antibacteriana de cumarinas de Rhododendron lepidotum Wall. ex G. Don, Ericaceae

Six coumarins daphnin (1), daphnetin (2), daphnetin glucoside (3), rhodonetin (4), rhodonin (5) and umbelliferone (6) were isolated from the methanolic extract of Rhododendron lepidotum Wall. ex G. Don, Ericaceae (aerial part). The compounds and their acetyl derivatives were screened for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC-29213, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus ATCC-15187, Escherichia coli ATCC-8739, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC-9027 by microdilution method as compared to the reference ciprofloxacin. Compound 2 displayed the best antibacterial activity with MIC 125 μg/mL against S. aureus ATCC-29213 and MRSA ATCC-15187 followed by 4 which exhibited the MIC value of 250 μg/mL against all the four tested strains. All molecules showed better antibacterial activity than their acyl derivatives.

Seis cumarinas dafinina (1), dafinetina (2), dafinetina glicosídeo (3), rodonetina (4), rodonina (5) e umbeliferona (6) foram isoladas do extrato metanólico das partes aéreas de Rhododendron lepidotum Wall. ex G. Don, Ericaceae. Os compostos e seus derivados acetilados foram testados para verificar sua atividade antibacteriana contra Staphylococcus aureus ATCC-29213, Escherichia coli resistente à meticilina, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC-15187, ATCC-8739, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC-9027, pelo método de microdiluição, usando ciprofloxacina como referência. A substância 2 apresentou a melhor atividade antibacteriana com o MIC 125 μg/mL contra S. aureus ATCC-29213 e MRSA ATCC-15187 seguido pela substância 4, que apresentou o valor de CIM de 250 μg/mL contra as quatro cepas testadas. Todas as moléculas apresentaram melhor atividade antibacteriana do que seus derivados acetilados.

Predictors of outcome for non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage

To evaluate the prognosis, neurologic outcome, and predictors of survival in patients with non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage. We evaluated prospectively a cohort of 96 Saudi adult males and females with stroke during the month of July 2005 at Arar Central Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Out of 103 patients, 96 patients, who were diagnosed as having intracerebral hemorrhage [ICH] presenting to the emergency department for initial evaluation, were included, except those with recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage, arteriovenous malformation, subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, hemorrhagic infarctions, and patients receiving anticoagulant therapy. No patient underwent any neurosurgical procedure. The results of 96 patients were analyzed. The mean age at ICH was 67.2 [ +/- 14.7] years [range, 30-100 years], and mean Glasgow coma scale [GCS] score on admission was 8.42 [ +/- 1.73] and [range, 4-13]. Mean ICH volume on initial CT scan was 10.61 [ +/- 14.01] ml3 [range, 1-63]. Mean pulse pressure on hospital arrival was 81.9 [ +/- 22.8] mm Hg [range, 70-120 mm Hg]. In uni-variate analysis, GCS score [p = 0.0005], ICH volume [p = 0.001], mass effect [p = 0.001], and presence of intraventricular hemorrhage [p = 0.0005] were all associated with 30-days mortality, while in multivariable analysis, the most significant independent predictors of 30-day mortality were, GCS score and the intraventricular extension of hemorrhage. This model may aid in making decisions quickly and easily regarding the appropriate level of care for such patients with intracerebral hemorrhage

Sperm motility inhibitory effect of the benzene chromatographic fraction of the chloroform extract of the seeds of Carica papaya in langur monkey, Presbytis entellus entellus / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To assess the contraceptive efficacy of the benzene chromatographic fraction of the chloroform extract of the seeds of Carica papaya in langur monkeys.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The test substance was given p.o. to five monkeys at 50 mg/kg body weight/day for 360 days. Control animals (n=3) received olive oil as vehicle. Sperm parameters as per World Health Organization standards, sperm functional tests, morphology of testis and epididymis, haematology, clinical biochemistry, serum testosterone and libido were evaluated. Following completion of 360 days treatment the animals were withdrawn from the treatment and the recovery pattern was assessed by semen analysis and sperm functional tests.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Total inhibition of sperm motility was observed following 60 days of treatment that continued until 360 days study period. Sperm count, percent viability and percent normal spermatozoa showed a drastic decline following 30 days of treatment. Sperm morphology showed predominant mid piece abnormalities. Sperm functional tests scored in sterile range. Histology and ultrastructure of testis revealed vacuolization in the Sertoli cells and germ cells. Loss of cytoplasmic organelles was evident in spermatocytes and round spermatids. Histology and ultrastructure of epididymis of treated animals were comparable to those of control animals. Hematological and serum clinical parameters and testosterone levels fluctuated within the control range throughout the study period. Recovery was evident following 60-120 days of treatment withdrawal.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results suggest that the benzene chromatographic fraction of the chloroform extract of the seeds of Carica papaya shows contraceptive efficacy without adverse toxicity, mediated through inhibition of sperm motility.</p>

Intensive behavioral therapy for primary enuresis

To assess the effect of intensive behavioral therapy on Saudi children with primary enuresis. Twenty-six children, aged 6-14-years, presented with complains of bed wetting during a 12-months period from January 2001 through to January 2002, ArAr Central Hospital, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were studied in an interventional, non-randomized trial without control. After complete verbal autopsy, physical examination and laboratory investigation, they were offered intensive behavioral therapy. They were evaluated for response, regularity, esteem and recurrence of enuresis. Mean age of the study group was 9.6-years [SD = +/- 2.6] and boys were affected almost twice of girls [P<0.05]. Family history, social history and school performance did not show any significant [P>0.05] association with enuresis. Sixty point five% were regular and out of those 27.9% never missed any visits. 91.7% were completely dry out of regular patients. There was 75% success rate in those, who visited 4-8 times while 25% in those, who visited 1-3 times. Ninety-six% of the parents and 80.7% of the children were fully satisfied with this therapy. Socio-economic status seems to play a significant [P<0.05] role in regularity of follow up and response to behavioral therapy. This result shows an excellent response to intensive behavioral therapy in primary enuresis if the follow up is regular

Histoplamosis asociada a cuevas en Venezuela / Outbreak of cave-associated acute pulmonary histoplasmosis in Venezuela

Una extensa epidemia de histoplasmosis pulmonar aguda ocurrió entre un grupo de estudiantes de bachillerato quienes visitaron dos cámaras de la Cueva "Alfredo Jahn", localizada en el estado Miranda, aproximadamente a 100 Km al Este de Caracas. En ella habitan varias especies de murciélagos, incluyendo el clásico vampiro (desmodus rotundus) y en su suelo se acumula una cantidad considerable de guano. Treinta y cuatro estudiantes y un profesor penetraron en la cueva "Alfredo Jahn" permaneciendo en ella aproximadamente 20 minutos. Veintiocho de los estudiantes (17 hembras, 11 varones; con un rango de edad entre 15-18 años y una mediana de 17 años) pudieron ser estudiados en detalle desde el punto de vista clínico e inmunológico. De los 28 estudiante evaluados, 20 (71,4 por ciento) desarrollaron enfermedad aguda y 64,3 por ciento de éstos la presentaron dentro de los 10 a 28 días (mediana: 14 días) posteriores a la exposición. En 2 (7,1 por ciento) casos que permanecieron asintomáticos, fue posible demostrar alteraciones en la Rx de tórax y/o en los resultados de laboratorio clínico. El profesor de 39 años de edad, un hombre previamente sano, también enfermó 14 días después de la exposición. Los signos y síntomas entre los 20 estudiantes enfermos incluyeron fiebre (77,7 por ciento), tos no productiva (72,2 por ciento) cefalea (66,6 por ciento), nauseas y vómitos (50 por ciento), rash (38,8 por ciento), dolor abdominal (38,8 por ciento), astenia (33,3 por ciento), dolor torácico (22,2 por ciento), dispnéa (16,6 por ciento), mialgias (16,6 por ciento) y en un caso (5,5 por ciento) eritema nodoso. El 46,4 por ciento de los 28 estudiantes y el 65 por ciento de aquellos que desarrollaron anormalidades clínicas o de laboratorio mostraron un test de inmunodifusión específico positivo dentro de las siguientes 6-12 semanas. El agente causal no fue recuperado en cultivos realizados a partir de diversas muestras de suelo colectados tres meses después del brote.

Glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in newborn infants of Eastern Saudi Arabia

Neonatal screening for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G6PD] deficiency was established in a large general hospital in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. During the first 2 years of this program, samples from 2880 Saudi infants and 495 non-Saudi newborns were tested. Among Saudi infants, the overall incidence of G6PD deficiency was 26.6% in boys and 12.6% in girls. There was an apparent excess in the observed incidence of this enzyme deficiency in females. Parents of all infants who were G6PD-deficienct were counseled on how to prevent hemolytic complications. This enzyme deficiency is very common is this population, and neonatal screening for early detection is recommended

Prevalence of glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency among the staff and children in a boys school in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

A survey of erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme deficiency was conducted among 29 teachers and 437 children in a boys school in Qatif: 51.9% of Saudi Arabia boys and 50% of Saudi adult males on the teaching staff were found to be deficient in the enzyme activity test. The importance of health education to minimize the frequency and severity of haemolytic episodes is discussed

Fibromatosis: an interesting Clinicopathological entity; report of two cases

Two patients with adult type desmoid fibromatosis are reported. One patient had a tumour in the abdominal wall, diagnosed as lipoma. The other patient had intra-abdominal tumours which were regarded as malignant, probably lymphoma. The pathological findings are presented. This interesting clinicopathological entity seems not to be well recognized; no report of it has been found in the Saudi literatur